A Model of Membrane Biogenesis

Abstract

Fundamental questions dealing with the site of synthesis of membrane proteins and phospholipids, their integration into functional enzyme complexes and ultimately into membranes, remain largely unanswered at present. On the other hand, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the structure and organization of membranes and this new information has provided a conceptual framework for postulating possible mechanisms of membrane assembly. In this communication a model of membrane biogenesis is described which is based on studies of the structure and biosynthesis of constitutive enzymes of the mitochondrial inner membrane. Although the proposed mechanism will be discussed in terms of the biogenesis of this particular membrane, it could apply equally well to other biological membranes.